DCCC adds nine names to program for top recruits

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has added nine candidates to a recently launched program to support top recruits, including seven women, the committee announced Monday.

The DCCC added the nine new names to its "Jumpstart" roster. The committee launched the program earlier this year to support top recruits for battleground races. With the new additions, the program now includes 16 candidates.

The latest round of names includes two from Michigan: Former state representative Pam Bynes, who is running against Rep. Tim Walberg (R) in Michigan's 7th District; and retired general and sheriff Jerry Cannon, who is running against Rep. Dan Benishek in the 1st District.

The other seven candidates are: Former state senator Staci Appel (running in Iowa's 3rd District); businesswoman Erin Bilbray (running in Nevada's 3rd District); former state House member Jennifer Garrison (running in Ohio's 6th District); attorney Roxanne Lara (running in New Mexico's 2nd 7th District); the former state director for Sen. Max Baucus, John Lewis, (running in Montana's at-large district); retired Navy commander Suzanne Patrick (running in Virginia's 2nd District); and former county legislator Martha Robertson (running in New York's 23rd District).

Democrats face an uphill climb this cycle. They have to pick up 17 seats to win back the majority.